Health & Fitness

Dr. Dale Dugas AP DOM MAOM Dipl. OM , is a board-certified Florida state licensed Acupuncture Physician/Doctor of Oriental Medicine(AP/DOM) as well as a board- certified Chinese Herbalist. He is licensed from the Florida Department of Health.
Dr. Dugas attended the New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest school of Chinese Medicine in the USA.
He earned a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine(MAOM). Following graduation, he passed his national board exams for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. He was subsequently granted Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM) status from The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture Medicine (NCCAOM), and recently was granted licensure in Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine/Acupuncture Physician.
Dr. Dugas’ interest in Asian medicinal practices arose in the late 1980s, while he was living in Northern Japan. He lived in Northern Japan through the 1990s. During this time, he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Earlham College, his focus on Japanese Studies.
Dr. Dugas has over 36 years of continuous training in Chinese, Chinese/Okinawan, and Japanese martial arts systems.
He achieved a Shodan(1st degree Black Belt) in Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate-do at the age 16. He is well versed in Southern Short Hand systems such as South Mantis, and Bak Mei Pai Kung Fu as well as being a licensed instructor of Baguazhang. He was first introduced to the complexities of the Chinese internal arts( Hsing-Yi Chuan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan), and various Qi Gong methods under Shifu Kwan Sai Hung, best known as the protagonist in the book, The Wandering Taoist.
He is currently working in Florida as a licensed Acupuncture Physician/Chinese Herbalist at Jade Tree Wellness Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He looks forward to furthering research on Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Martial Arts(Jook Lun Gee Tong Long Pai, Baguazhang, Taijiquan), Tieh Sha Zhang Gong (Iron Palm) and Tieh Bu Shan Gong (Iron Vest) training, Shuai Jiao(Chinese Wrestling) and Kam Na/Chin-Na (Throwing and Grappling) and Dit Da Ke (Chinese trauma medicine).

I began my study of Chinese medicine in the late 1980's. I was first drawn to the vast richness and depth of Chinese medicine through my practice of classical martial arts. Over the decades, I learned various methods of hands-on therapies for the treatment of injuries that would occur during training. I also learned how herbal medicine has been safely and effectively used for millenia to support athletic training. After completing my undergraduate degree and working for a few years as a translator I realized my true calling was in the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.


I received my Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2001 and completed a sports medicine and orthopedics internship treating collegiate athletes at the University of California, San Diego. After obtaining my California State Acupuncture license in 2002, I began to actively study Classical Chinese Medicine under Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist physician and priest. I continue to study with Dr. Yuen to this day with the belief that it is my responsibility to keep growing as a physician for the sake of my patients. The rich tradition that Dr. Yuen teaches has allowed me to successfully help many patients with difficult neurological complaints, autoimmune disorders and a wide range of functional diseases.

I have personally experienced the shortcomings of the conventional medical system which primarily focuses on the suppression of symptoms and the disempowerment of patients. This motivated me to devote my practice to empowering my patients to take back control of their health and break free from their dependency on medications.

I use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, tui na, qi gong, and dietary therapy integrated with functional medicine (customized lab work) to decipher the mystery of each unique patient. Although it is a challenging path, I find it immensely rewarding and cannot imagine doing anything else.


I have practiced and taught classical Chinese martial arts and health practices in the US and internationally for decades. A student at heart, I spend much of my free time reading or thinking about how to be a better physician for my patients. My goal is ultimately to help unlock the miraculous healing capacity that is contained in every individual.


Since beginning my practice in 2002 I've worked closely with many primary care doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and gasteroenterologists to provide heart-felt care to thousands of patients.

Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies in collaboration with St. Petersburg Health & Wellness provides a broad base of holistic health care options that can be tailored to your needs. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture & Massage, herbal apothecary, Functional medicine, IV nutritional therapy, hormone therapies and much more. We also have a reduced rate acupuncture and herbal student clinic two nights a week. Every November we start our 2 year clinical herbal program and our ongoing lecture series and events. Not sure what services you need? Just stop by and check out the place or ask for a quick meeting with one of our practitioners.
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